​Tessa Lee, Sports journalist reporting on global leagues since 2021.​

England vs Croatia was one of the headline fixtures on matchday seven of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Harry Kane scoring twice in a 4 to 2 victory for England in Dallas on Wednesday. The result gave Thomas Tuchel’s side a winning start to their Group L campaign, while Portugal were held to a surprise 1 to 1 draw by DR Congo in Houston. Both matches carried significant importance as teams began their pursuit of a place in the knockout stages.

England entered the tournament as one of the favorites and eventually secured all three points despite defensive lapses that allowed Croatia back into the contest on two occasions.

Kane leads England to opening victory

The game began with early drama when Croatia captain Luka Modric brought down Noni Madueke inside the penalty area. Harry Kane stepped up to take the spot kick, but his initial effort was saved by Dominik Livakovic.

However, French referee Clement Turpin ordered a retake after video review determined that Livakovic had moved off his line before the penalty was struck.

Kane made no mistake with his second attempt, giving England a 1 to 0 lead after 12 minutes. The decision generated debate among commentators and pundits, while discussion also focused on Kane’s run up technique before the kick.

England created several opportunities to extend their advantage. Jude Bellingham came close when he narrowly failed to connect with a dangerous cross from Madueke.

Croatia responded strongly and equalized in the 36th minute. Petar Sucic produced skillful footwork to beat John Stones before setting up Martin Baturina, who fired a first time effort past Jordan Pickford.

The level score lasted only six minutes. Declan Rice delivered a corner that found Kane unmarked, and the England captain headed home his second goal of the match. The strike moved Kane level with Gary Lineker on 10 World Cup goals for England.

Croatia refused to fade away. Deep into first half stoppage time, Petar Musa capitalized on poor defending to score from close range and make it 2 to 2.

Bellingham and Rashford secure the points

England regained control almost immediately after the restart.

Just two minutes into the second half, Bellingham surged forward and calmly placed his shot into the corner to restore England’s lead.

The goal shifted momentum firmly in England’s favor. Kane, Bellingham, and Nico O’Reilly all had chances to increase the margin as Croatia struggled to contain England’s attacking movement.

Despite those opportunities, the match remained open. Croatia continued to threaten and created several chances during the closing stages as England retreated deeper into their own half.

The result was finally secured in the 85th minute when Marcus Rashford came off the bench to score England’s fourth goal.

The victory represented a positive start for Tuchel, who has repeatedly stated that his objective is to guide England to their first major international trophy since 1966.

Portugal frustrated by DR Congo

While England celebrated victory, Portugal endured a disappointing evening in Houston.

Roberto Martinez’s side took an early lead when Paris Saint Germain midfielder Joao Neves headed home. However, DR Congo responded impressively and earned a historic 1 to 1 draw.

Much of the attention after the match focused on Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Portugal captain played the full 90 minutes but struggled to influence proceedings. Ronaldo registered just 25 touches, the fewest he has recorded in a major tournament match when completing the entire game.

He attempted three shots, but none tested DR Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi. Ronaldo also failed to complete a dribble and did not create a chance for a teammate.

The statistics highlighted a difficult performance for the 41 year old forward, who continues to pursue the milestone of 1,000 career goals.

Questions surrounding Ronaldo’s form

Ronaldo’s display extended concerns about his effectiveness in major tournaments.

At Euro 2024, he failed to score despite ranking among the tournament leaders in shots taken. His recent appearances in pre tournament friendlies against Chile and Nigeria also attracted criticism after several missed opportunities.

Against DR Congo, Portugal dominated possession for long periods but lacked cutting edge in key moments.

Former Republic of Ireland international Tony Cascarino was among the commentators who questioned the decision to keep Ronaldo on the pitch for the entire match.

Cascarino argued that Portugal needed greater energy and mobility in attack and suggested that Martinez should have considered changes earlier in the game.

The result leaves Portugal with work to do in Group K. Their upcoming fixtures against Uzbekistan and Colombia could determine whether they advance comfortably or face a more difficult path to the knockout rounds.

World Cup action continues

Matchday seven continues with Ghana facing Panama in Toronto and tournament debutants Uzbekistan taking on Colombia in Mexico City.

For England, the opening victory provides momentum and confidence ahead of their remaining group fixtures. Croatia, meanwhile, will need a response after falling short despite twice fighting back into the contest.

Portugal and DR Congo leave Houston with contrasting emotions. DR Congo celebrated a landmark result against one of world football’s traditional powers, while Portugal must quickly address concerns following an underwhelming start to their World Cup campaign.